Moderator's Position. - Writers Forum

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 02:15 PM

Now I have been thinking. (A dangerous thing.) I was wondering about the possibility of having a term of 'office' for moderators. This way the moderators know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and readers know there is a defined time. I am not suggesting this to put restrictions on moderators but more for the ability to reaffirm the member's perceptions of the position. This also might make the responsibility less onorous and possibly prevent resignations.

Lily · 10-17-2003, 02:20 PM

Good idea! However, I don't really think it's necessary to change the name to 'office' . . . if it's made clear that the position can be temporary, then I don't think we'll have many problems.

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 02:40 PM

I couldn't think of a suitable term. Duration of moderators' position in office. Sounds officious I know. I also believe that elections spark interest. Interest sparks participation. Participation is ALWAYS a good thing. I was thinking of 6 months. I know moderators could always resign but it's more disturbing and there is always speculation when a resignation happens.

AdamR · 10-17-2003, 03:08 PM

If a moderator is doing a great job, follows the rules, and is happy doing his/her job, then let them do it! They can leave at any time, or can be removed if the circumstances happen, which I trust that they probably won't.

But, having terms for moderators could be nice, and give others a 'chance.' I just think this defeats the whole purpose of moderators being Staff as it's more like "Ok, you're done, it's my turn!"

Either way it is decided, I'm for it.

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 03:19 PM

My reason for making this suggestion has a number of variables. To me it's all about reminding people of the obligations that moderators adhere to. I don't think it's an easy task. I also feel that keeping the doors open for new moderators is a good idea. It promotes interest. Reaffirming a moderator is also a great idea. I am elected as a shop steward for a duration of time. I can't be removed during that time either. It gives me certain status and obligations. I think keeping the interest levels up adds to the cachet of the position.

Spudley · 10-17-2003, 06:22 PM

I have to say I'm not in favour of politicising this. Terms of office, campaigning and elections make it feel like something to be won.

Politics are all well and good in their place; I just don't think it's really appropriate to this situation. This isn't a competition, and I don't think there should be any feeling of superiority or pride in being picked.

It may feel like it, but being made a moderator won't give any power over anyone: The best that can be achieved is to be invisible (the worst is that everyone hates the mods, and deserts to a different forum, but I'm hoping that won't happen

)

Also, given that Chris wants three mods, and given the number of people nominated (including at least one who's declined), if we tried to run with terms of office, I don't think we'd last very long before we ran out of nominees. We'd certainly run out of interest if there were repeated elections - people come here to share their writing and chat with other writers, not to vote.

Some of the mods may well want to retire after a while in any case, regardless of a term, and if the forums grow (and they will), then more mods will be needed. That alone should provide enough room for anyone else to get their chance if they don't get picked first time round.

The idea of not being able to remove someone would also be completey unsuited to mods. They'll be picked on trust, but if someone abuses that trust, I for one would want to see them removed quickly before they could do too much damage.

As has been said before, while the forums are lively, active and even occasionally controversial, this is not a place of freedom: Chris' rules are in place, and the moderators' job will simply be to enforce them when necessary (and I don't think it is likely to be necessary all that often). Therefore, the mods will be beholden to Chris, not to the forum population. Chris has given us the chance to have our say before he picks, but if he disagrees with the poll results, he would be well within his rights to ignore it.

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 07:40 PM

I disagree with you Spud for all the reasons I already listed. I do like the suggestion of 'retire' rather than resign though. I am a moderator x 3 and I like this forum a lot. Your suggestion that we would run out of moderators does not factor in the incredible number of newcomers this forum consistantly attracts. My suggestion is to recognize changes as the forum continues to evolve. I've been in this place since July and have watched as new people come into their own. I believe that having elections generates interest. People are political animals. Opinions create the politics of ideas and ideals. You simply can't get away from it.

rcallaci · 10-17-2003, 07:59 PM

penelope

I gently disagree with you sweet tiger lady and I am in full accord with spudley. This is not a democracy or a socialistic excercise but a benevolent monarchy. Making a moderator a political post to my mind does not seem like a solid idea and may do more harm then good. Tbis is a writing forum not a political body. Your idea though noble in thinking is fraught with peril

Warmest and fondest regards,
bob

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 08:59 PM

My idea is to generate a belief that if moderators are going to be elected rather than appointed .. politics have already come into play. Bob! You can not have a monarchy fraught with nominations and elections aka voting for moderators. Perhaps, being an American has your vision slightly skewed.

I will remind everyone that it was not my idea to have nominations and elections. I believe it was Crispian's.

hollyoake · 11-26-2003, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spudley

(the worst is that everyone hates the mods, and deserts to a different forum, but I'm hoping that won't happen

)

People hate us?

*wimpers*

i was never told people would hate me... i want to go home!

Lily · 11-26-2003, 09:46 AM

teehee don't worry, holly! I think Spud was just . . . hypothesizing?

I don't think people hate us. I think they're just scared of us! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I'm normal, really I am!

hollyoake · 11-26-2003, 10:07 AM

well YOU give them reason to be afraid, but no-one should be scared of someone who at the moment cannot even tie her own shoes!

**Penelope** · 11-26-2003, 02:37 PM

Alright you two .. get back to being dignified .. and don't forget your crowns and sceptors.

Capulet · 11-26-2003, 03:49 PM

I think rotating in some new moderators wouldn't be such a bad idea. It'll probably happen on it's own as real life catches up to us all. Hopefully people will be able to tell when their workload offline is going to prevent them from doing a good job on here, and step down when the need arises.

Other than that, it can never hurt to introduce new blood. I'd like to see some moderator-run activities as well. Something along the lines of the games played here, but a little more formal. Sister activities to the sunday night write-off if you will. Gotta have them doing something right?

Lily · 11-26-2003, 06:41 PM

I'm supposed to be dignified? And I have a crown? Where?!

Hmm . . . moderator-run activities sounds like an interesting idea, but I think I'd rather see a forum run thing . . . I don't know . . .